Generic
Lacidipine
8 brands available in the market
At a glance
Lacidipine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class which helps relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure and the workload of the heart. It helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Description
Lacidipine is a potent dihydropyridine calcium antagonist mainly selective for calcium 'L' channels in vascular smooth muscle. It dilates peripheral arterioles resulting in reduced peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. It is absorbed from the GI tract and may interact with cimetidine. Lacidipine increases the concentration of Digoxin & Propranolol, but Propranolol decreases the maximum concentration & AUC of Lacidipine.
Indications
- Hypertension - as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents
Therapeutic class
Calcium Channel Blockers
Pharmacological class
Dihydropyridine Calcium Antagonist
Pharmacology
Lacidipine inhibits the influx of calcium into smooth muscle cells by competitive inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium 'L' channels. This action results in the inhibition of the effects triggered by calcium influx, such as activation of contractile proteins in smooth muscle.
Mechanism of action
Dilates peripheral arterioles reducing peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure.
Dosage
Oral (Adult):
- Initial dose: 2 mg once daily (preferably in the morning)
- After 3-4 weeks: May increase to 4 mg/day
- If necessary: Up to 6 mg/day
- Maximum dose: 6 mg/day
Hepatic Impairment: Reduce dose in severe liver disease.
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Can be taken with or without food, but a fixed time is preferable
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Ankle swelling
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Edema
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Abdominal pain
Rare Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Gum hyperplasia
- Aggravation of angina
- Mood disturbances
- Muscle cramps
- Skin rash
Precautions & warnings
- May cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid driving or activities requiring mental focus
- Blood pressure may drop suddenly, especially when first starting; rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
- For ankle or foot swelling, elevate legs while sitting
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Inform your doctor about any liver, kidney, or heart problems
- Discontinue if ischemic pain occurs shortly after initiating treatment
- Avoid grapefruit juice (may affect metabolism)
Contraindications
- Within 1 month of myocardial infarction
- Cardiogenic shock
- Unstable angina
- Aortic stenosis
- Impaired left ventricular function
- Hypersensitivity to dihydropyridine derivatives
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Drug interactions
- Additive effect with diuretics, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers
- Cimetidine may increase plasma levels
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole) and inducers (e.g., rifampicin) may affect metabolism
- Corticoids or tetracosactid may attenuate antihypertensive effect
- Increases Digoxin and Propranolol concentration
- Propranolol decreases maximum concentration and AUC of Lacidipine
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Lacidipine; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Lacidipine may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus. Consult your doctor.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Lacidipine is probably safe during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby. However, consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in neonates and children.
Geriatric use
Use with caution in elderly; dose adjustment may be needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Probably safe in kidney disease; dose adjustment may not be needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause prolonged peripheral vasodilation with hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, or prolonged AV conduction. Symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Lacidipine